Square One Programs
BOOK IT
Bookshelves stocked with free children's books in places that families with young children go every day: convenience stores, supermarkets, community health centers, hair salons and barber shops, laundromats, community agencies and businesses. BOOK IT invites children to take one book at a time to own. Books in a variety of languages are stocked to meet the needs of children who live in and around each bookshelf location. Early Education & Care Infants, Toddlers, Preschool & Kindergarten Square One operates four children's centers within the city of Springfield and one in Holyoke. Centers open between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. and remain open as late as 5:30 p.m. Programs at our centers vary depending on the age and development of enrolled children, but always focus on providing opportunities for children to grow strong cognitively, emotionally, socially and physically. Entrada Integrated home visiting program which expands Healthy Families services to parents of any age. Entrada is a collaboration with the YWCA (providing Parents as Teachers) and Holyoke-Chicopee-Springfield Head Start (providing Early Head Start). Family Child Care Home based childcare program, provides care in smaller settings within neighborhoods. Providers receive training, are fully licensed and receive ongoing support and home monitoring/oversight from Square One. FRESH (Family Recovery Engagement Support for Hampden County) START Peer recovery program for parents actively using substances or in early recovery from substance use who are pregnant or parenting an infant up to 6 months old. Family support specialists / Family Recovery Specialist provide home visiting, recovery support groups, parenting support, in home substance use treatment, case management. Funded by the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Institute for Health & Recovery. Healthy Families Springfield Home visits and group services for first time parents under 21.Our program is parent-driven; families choose their own goals and work in a close working relationship with a home visitor. Both young mothers and fathers are encouraged to participate in our program, either individually or together. Funded by the Children’s Trust Fund. Kid Stop (School Age Child Care) Children entrusted to our care are given the chance to learn, grow and build skills to help them succeed in school and in life. We provide before and after school care for children from Kindergarten through Fifth grade. Our program includes physical fitness, nutrition, literacy support, homework help and academic skill building, and much more… Launch Program Formerly known as Go Fit, Square One’s commitment to the LAUNCH program provides low income children the opportunity to participate in daily physical activity whether it is during the summer months or academic school year. The children who partake in the program are engaged in knowledge pertaining to character traits (respect, trust, honesty) while also encompassing health concepts such as diet and personal hygiene. Non-Traditional Child Care> Please call us to discuss how we can tailor high quality child care services to meet the particular needs of your group. Services can be offered at your site or ours; for a special event or an ongoing need. Parenting Works Home Visiting and Groups For parents with young children, in need of parent education and support. We serve many families challenged by issues of homelessness, substance use, poverty, or incarceration of a family member. We host fun, interactive group meetings on a variety of topics, open to any parent in the community with a young child. We also provide more structured group series using established curriculum. Shannon Project Monthly parenting groups and home visiting support for parents with children up to age 12, to improve parent-child communication, strengthen parenting skills, and reduce the risk of gang involvement for youth. Funded by the City of Springfield’s Shannon Grant. Square One Rewards Incentive program for parents and earning “Square Bucks” by participating in home visits and support programs. These can be redeemed at our Rewards Store. Turning Points Parent education services for incarcerated parents. "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." - Frederick Douglass |
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